Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Al Awael Restaurant

    4.7 (109 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 8:00 PM

    Order Al Awael Restaurant Takeout or Delivery

    Al Awael Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Al Awael Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Stephanie S.

    This is my favorite stop when I'm craving middle eastern food. I especially come here for their shawarma wraps when I'm craving it. I've had their trays and appetizers as well. Everything is delicious. The restaurant is beautiful with plenty of seating inside and it's always clean. The family that works there are friendly and welcoming every time.

    Menu
    John C.

    A new Iraqi place in El Cajon area close to a Chinese place I have been to a few times. They are still in a soft opening and some items on the menu aren't available yet. I have been 3x, and customer service has been great. Food comes out fresh and awesome. Their awesome items that I really enjoyed are the lamb dishes and the kebabs/kebobs are so flavorful. One of these days they will be adding some Iraqi desserts and then I hope to try those as well. For sure will be back.

    Platter for 4/5
    Didi A.

    Soft opening I gave 4 stars coz I know it is new and they need to figure things out Overall ambience is nice modern chairs and table Very loud though not sure if there is something in the wall but there was a lot of echo of the people talking Our waiter Rivan was nice helpful and very polite also the blonde girl in the front very nice We had our mother in law birthday and since they r new they do not have desserts yet and suggested to get a cake from Von next door for us to cut and eat so very helpful from that perspective Now the food Food was decent and looked fresh The salad platter was decent on the smaller size so as the Fattoosh salad. Amount is not big but not small either but I am comparing to the other Iraqi restaurant Salad and appetizers good liver was good mashee platter was good The fried crispy chicken was very good Parking is easy Overall I think just be patient as they r still figuring things out and yes they were slightly late in their service but I guess need to give them another chance Advice is yes go try it but be a little patient

    Ellie E.

    Best middle eastern food by far!!!! The food was so fresh and tasty. Elegant and amazing service. Highly recommend

    Chicken Shawarma
    Cirwan S.

    Probably the juiciest kabob I have had ! Came here because I knew they are a new restaurant so I wanted to try. Came here with my buddies and we started off with their appetizers platter. Comes with 5 different appetizers so you get a little bit of everything. I got the combo plate chicken kabob and beef kabob with yellow rice. The kabobs were so juicy, the meat melts in your mouth. My buddy got the chicken shawarma wrap and love it. I had one of his wrap pieces and it was yummy. My other buddy got the kuzi with biryani rice and he said it was one of the kuzi he has ever had. I definitely need to come back to try their beef shawarma which I heard is amazing ! They make fresh bread daily and they have lots of seating inside. Restaurant was clean and our server Rula was also amazing! See you guys again !

    Chicken Tikka was very tender and flavorful!
    Roo K.

    We went there last night and everything was so good! We ordered the appetizer platter, lamb Qouzi and chicken Tikka. The place is run by a father and two brothers and they are very gracious and generous. Just the kindest people! The restaurant is beautiful and everything was so nice. I wish them the best and hope to come back!

    yummy
    Holly C.

    WHAT A Find ! They don't make restaurants like this anymore Family owned, Al Awael provided AMAZING FRESH food, beautifully presented. GREAT atmosphere and music, and most of all the service was above and beyond. ( they didn't miss any details even gorgeous immaculate bathroom) This Restaurant could teach other restaurants how things should be done.

    Our main dish was served with appetizers coming after our main dish. Hummus, fries, yougurt cucumber dish.
    Ralph K.

    The way it looks everyone's complain and mine is the way of service of the food order is given out to the customer, you need to hire someone to help your restaurant organize the way the order is given to the customer, communication with server to the customer is important not after the main dish is served to tell the customer you don't have that or you ran out that's done at the time of ordering, appetizers do not come after the main food is served , when it's very simple like hummus, and the yogurt cucumber order that should come out fast and the bread we received looked like bread from a previous customer. Very disappointed.

    Marinated chicken  & lamb is amazing!

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John C.
    870
    2125
    19808

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ellie E.
    163
    93
    58

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ann M.
    0
    21
    3

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Roo K.
    2
    79
    119

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Holly C.
    0
    104
    46

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Sooo good delicious food and lovely friendly service. My friend keeps talking about this place, already planning to come back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ralph K.
    113
    10
    34

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cijey D.
    473
    61
    92

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carissa K.
    560
    44
    12

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J E.
    10
    7
    3

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ali O.
    0
    12
    0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ana L.
    43
    4
    5

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wass B.
    35
    62
    41

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Waseem I.
    217
    68
    85

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bae B.
    0
    15
    19

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Al Awael Restaurant

    You might also consider

    Shawarma Guys

    Shawarma Guys

    4.7
    (1.1k reviews)
    3.6 mi
    $$
    Kid friendly
    Casual dining

    I can for the viral Wagyu Shawarma Cheesesteak. It was very tasty with a mix of peppers, onion…read morecheese and sauce. Whatever sauce they used gave it a bit of spiciness. I went at 3:30 pm on a Saturday and was surprised that it was pretty busy at that weird time The sandwich was huge ( probably 12 inch sub) so depending on how hungry you are, you could easily split it. I loved the fries. Whatever seasoning they used gave is perfect

    I decided to visit this location for a late lunch during the week. I was so busy at work that I had…read moreto not had an opportunity to get lunch. I was able to sign off at 330p and head over to this location. The place was empty and there were clean tables and floors when I walked in. I was greeted by the lady behind the counter, and she had a smile on her face. I ordered the beef & chicken shawarma plate, Wagyu Beef eggrolls, and a bottled drink. My food was freshly prepared. I received my order in 7-10 minutes. It smelled wonderful. I paid for extra yogurt sauce and left to take my food to-go. When I arrived home, I enjoyed a delicious meal. Everything was prepared with great flavor, portions, and care. I had the garlic sauce and the yogurt sauce with my meal. This place is one of my favorites. I have been eating their food since the Southpark Truck days, phenomenally delicious. Thanks!

    Photos
    Ordering counter
    Ordering counter
    Wagyu beef and chicken shawarma plate, hummus and pita bread. All tasted so good!
    Wagyu beef and chicken shawarma plate, hummus and pita bread. All tasted so good!
    The combo wagyu beef & chicken shawarma !

    See all

    The combo wagyu beef & chicken shawarma !
    Ali Baba Family Restaurant

    Ali Baba Family Restaurant

    4.1
    (924 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$

    The location is right on the corner you can't miss it. They have their own small parking lot. There…read moreis a lot of similar restaurants in the area that we have tried. They just don't compare. The quality and flavors are out of this world. The inside is very cute. it is clean and welcoming. We enjoy lunch dates and dinner here as a family. The owners are very friendly. Definitely recommend the lunch for 2. FYI it feeds 4 people easily. Dinner for 3 feeds 6-7. Large portions. The hummus is soooooooo good. Pro tip: ask for extra olive oil. Give this place a try!

    Haven't been here in years, decided to take a trip to El Cajon to have lunch at this mom and pop…read moremiddle eastern restaurant with my mom and pop. They definitely invest their time on the taste of their food and serving large portion sizes instead of fancy tables and decor. It's not upscale fine dining... the interioir looks the exact same for past decade. Although a little dated the place is very clean and fits large or small groups. Not a date night spot -- more a friends and family stuff your face kind of place. They have a dedicated parking lot with plenty of spots. We ordered a ton of food to share. Half roasted chicken with side of fatoush salad, beef kabob plate with side of rice, lamb tikka with side of fries, a large plate of hummus, and an order of falafel (Best Falafel in SoCal). EVERYTHING WAS DELICIOUS! I personally didn't like the lamb tikka but everyone else destroyed that plate. We ordered a pot of black tea (mint flavored) and they brought our large pieces of steaming hot fresh bread. Service was very friendly and fast. They modified any order to your liking. They also thanked us for coming and meant it when they said it -- Mom and Pop shops are The Best! Highly Recommend if you're looking for good quality middle eastern food with large portions.

    Photos
    Feast for 4!
    Feast for 4!
    Pita Bread the Size of a Pizza
    Pita Bread the Size of a Pizza
    From the newly renovated parking lot =D

    See all

    From the newly renovated parking lot =D

    Al Awael Restaurant - mideastern - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...